adjective

contentious

/kənˈtenʃəs/ · say it: kuhn·TEN·shus

causing or likely to cause argument

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) causing or likely to cause argument or disagreement

2. (adjective) involving heated debate or argument

Examples

1. Abortion is a contentious issue in politics.
2. The contentious meeting ended without agreement.

How to use contentious

Contentious describes something that provokes disagreement or heated discussion, often with an implication that the conflict is ongoing or unresolved. It is more formal than 'controversial' and emphasizes the argumentative nature rather than simply the existence of different opinions. It can apply to topics, relationships, or claims.

Common phrases

contentious issue
contentious debate
contentious relationship
contentious claim
contentious topic
highly contentious

Synonyms

controversial · disputed · debatable · divisive · inflammatory

Opposites

uncontroversial · undisputed · agreeable

Word family

contention · contentiously · contentiousness

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse contentious with 'contented' (meaning satisfied), which is an entirely different word; contentious is about conflict, not contentment.

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